Brief

Lower Winnipeg River Basin Discussion Sheet Series Sheet #10 | Industries and Economic Activity

May 31, 2021
  • The lower Winnipeg River basin supports several active industries, primarily mining and hydroelectric development.

  • The diversity of rivers and lakes and the location of the Whiteshell Provincial Park make the lower Winnipeg River basin a popular destination for summer cottagers and outdoor recreation.

The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) is located in the northwest section of the entire Winnipeg River basin (WRB), which spans parts of western Ontario and small parts of Manitoba and northern Minnesota, United States. The Discussion Sheet Series highlights research on ecological and socio-economic aspects of the basin to encourage discussion with experts, government departments, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders. The Discussion Sheet Series is based on available data collected in 2018 and 2019. Sheet 10 of 11 summarizes industries and economic activities in the LWRB.

Brief details

Topic
Water
Region
Canada
Impact area
Nature
Publisher
IISD
Copyright
IISD, 2021
Brief

Lower Winnipeg River Basin Discussion Sheet Series Sheet #9 | Land Management

May 31, 2021
  • The important land management considerations in the lower Winnipeg River basin include resource development in parks and forests, agricultural development, the Treaty Land Entitlement process, and Indigenous interests and rights.

The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) is located in the northwest section of the entire Winnipeg River basin (WRB), which spans parts of western Ontario and small parts of Manitoba and northern Minnesota, United States. The Discussion Sheet Series highlights research on ecological and socio-economic aspects of the basin to encourage discussion with experts, government departments, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders. The Discussion Sheet Series is based on available data collected in 2018 and 2019. Sheet 9 of 11 summarizes land management in the LWRB.

Brief details

Topic
Water
Region
Canada
Impact area
Nature
Publisher
IISD
Copyright
IISD, 2021
Brief

Lower Winnipeg River Basin Discussion Sheet Series Sheet #8 | History

May 31, 2021
  • The Winnipeg River has historically been a major east–west transportation route, connecting the northern Great Plains to the Laurentian Great Lakes.

The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) is located in the northwest section of the entire Winnipeg River basin (WRB), which spans parts of western Ontario and small parts of Manitoba and northern Minnesota, United States. The Discussion Sheet Series highlights research on ecological and socio-economic aspects of the basin to encourage discussion with experts, government departments, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders. The Discussion Sheet Series is based on available data collected in 2018 and 2019. Sheet 8 of 11 summarizes the history of the LWRB.

Brief details

Topic
Water
Region
Canada
Impact area
Nature
Publisher
IISD
Copyright
IISD, 2021
Brief

Lower Winnipeg River Basin Discussion Sheet Series Sheet #7 | Communities and Demographics

May 31, 2021
  • The lower Winnipeg River basin is a sparsely populated watershed with a low population density.

  • There are significant numbers of seasonal residents and short-term visitors to the lower Winnipeg River basin in summer months.

The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) is located in the northwest section of the entire Winnipeg River basin (WRB), which spans parts of western Ontario and small parts of Manitoba and northern Minnesota, United States. The Discussion Sheet Series highlights research on ecological and socio-economic aspects of the basin to encourage discussion with experts, government departments, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders. The Discussion Sheet Series is based on available data collected in 2018 and 2019. Sheet 7 of 11 summarizes communities and demographics in the LWRB.

Brief details

Topic
Water
Region
Canada
Impact area
Nature
Publisher
IISD
Copyright
IISD, 2021
Brief

Lower Winnipeg River Basin Discussion Sheet Series Sheet #5 | Aquatic Animals and Habitat

May 31, 2021
  • Continued monitoring of benthic macroinvertebrates and fish populations will help identify impacts due to development in the lower Winnipeg River basin.

The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) is located in the northwest section of the entire Winnipeg River basin (WRB), which spans parts of western Ontario and small parts of Manitoba and northern Minnesota, United States. The Discussion Sheet Series highlights research on ecological and socio-economic aspects of the basin to encourage discussion with experts, government departments, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders. The Discussion Sheet Series is based on available data collected in 2018 and 2019. Sheet 5 of 11 summarizes aquatic animals and habitat in the LWRB.

Brief details

Topic
Water
Region
Canada
Impact area
Nature
Publisher
IISD
Copyright
IISD, 2021
Brief

Lower Winnipeg River Basin Discussion Sheet Series Sheet #4 | Water Quality and Nutrient Loading

May 31, 2021
  • The Winnipeg River is the second-largest contributor of nutrients (in absolute terms) to Lake Winnipeg.

  • The potential impact of metal exceedances on aquatic life in the lower Winnipeg River is unknown, as are the major source contributors.

  • Four sites on the lower Winnipeg River basin are monitored by three organizations using different analytical methods and sampling periods.

The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) is located in the northwest section of the entire Winnipeg River basin (WRB), which spans parts of western Ontario and small parts of Manitoba and northern Minnesota, United States. The Discussion Sheet Series highlights research on ecological and socio-economic aspects of the basin to encourage discussion with experts, government departments, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders. The Discussion Sheet Series is based on available data collected in 2018 and 2019. Sheet 4 of 11 summarizes water quality and nutrient loading in the LWRB

Brief details

Topic
Water
Region
Canada
Impact area
Nature
Publisher
IISD
Copyright
IISD, 2021
Brief

Lower Winnipeg River Basin Discussion Sheet Series Sheet #3 | Hydrology: River discharge and level

May 31, 2021
  • There are six hydroelectric runoff river-generating stations along the LWRB—Pointe du Bois, Slave Falls, Seven Sisters, McArthur Falls, Great Falls, and Pine Falls—that together can generate 583 MW of electrical capacity, approximately 10% of the energy needs for the Province of Manitoba.

  • The Winnipeg River releases the greatest volume of water to Lake Winnipeg and contributes the second-largest nutrient load.

The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) is located in the northwest section of the entire Winnipeg River basin (WRB), which spans parts of western Ontario and small parts of Manitoba and northern Minnesota, United States. The Discussion Sheet Series highlights research on ecological and socio-economic aspects of the basin to encourage discussion with experts, government departments, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders. The Discussion Sheet Series is based on available data collected in 2018 and 2019. Sheet 3 of 11 summarizes the hydrology (river discharge and level) in the LWRB.

Brief details

Topic
Water
Region
Canada
Impact area
Nature
Publisher
IISD
Copyright
IISD, 2021
Brief

Lower Winnipeg River Basin Discussion Sheet Series Sheet #2 | Landscape Characteristics

May 31, 2021
  • Landscape characteristics—particularly terrain, soil and sediment types, and land cover—inform how the watershed interacts with the river and potential economic activity, such as forestry or mining.

  • Future research may consider how landscape characteristics influence river discharge and water quality and how associated industries may influence the long-term health and sustainability of the watershed.

The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) is located in the northwest section of the entire Winnipeg River basin (WRB), which spans parts of western Ontario and small parts of Manitoba and northern Minnesota, United States. The Discussion Sheet Series highlights research on ecological and socio-economic aspects of the basin to encourage discussion with experts, government departments, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders. The Discussion Sheet Series is based on available data collected in 2018 and 2019. Sheet 2 of 11 summarizes the landscape characteristics of the LWRB.

Brief details

Topic
Water
Region
Canada
Impact area
Nature
Publisher
IISD
Copyright
IISD, 2021
Brief

Lower Winnipeg River Basin Discussion Sheet Series Sheet #1 | Climate and Climate Change

May 31, 2021
  • Current ensemble-median climate projections suggest increased mean annual precipitation, runoff, and temperature in the lower Winnipeg River basin.

The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) is located in the northwest section of the entire Winnipeg River basin (WRB), which spans parts of western Ontario and small parts of Manitoba and northern Minnesota, United States. The Discussion Sheet Series highlights research on ecological and socio-economic aspects of the basin to encourage discussion with experts, government departments, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders. The Discussion Sheet Series is based on available data collected in 2018 and 2019. Sheet 1 of 11 summarizes climate conditions and climate change in the LWRB.

Brief details

Topic
Water
Region
Canada
Impact area
Climate
Nature
Publisher
IISD
Copyright
IISD, 2021
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June 3, 2021

IISD in the news details